Safety binding for mounting of ski

ABSTRACT

1,132,248. Ski bindings. P. UNGER. 24 Feb., 1966 [17 March, 1965], No. 8071/66. Heading A6D. A safeyt ski binding comprises a release device, a spring 9 and a housing 8, the housing 8 being pivotally connected with the release member 6 by a pivot axis A2 and with a base plate 2 by a pivot axis Al to lugs 5 which extend upwards from the base plate 2, said base plate being secured to the ski 1 so that it may be adjustable about the longitudinal direction of the ski, and the two pivot axes being dispersed at a distance from one another longitudinally with respect to the ski; the spring 9 being disposed in the housing 8 with one end proximate the release member 6 and adapted to apply pressure against the release member 6. In one embodiment, a pin 12 may be provided to link the release member 6 to the housing 8, which pin is non-rotatably secured to cheeks 6&lt;SP&gt;1&lt;/SP&gt; by the lateral bosses 14 which fit into corresponding slots 15 in the cheeks 6&lt;SP&gt;1&lt;/SP&gt; and projects through the housing 8. The pin 12 has a flat surface 16 which acts upon the spring 9 e.g. via a slip-over sleeve 19. A flattened surface for producing this effect could also be provided directly on the release member 6. The other end of the spring 9 is encompassed by an adjusting screw 20 which closes the bore of the housing 8. A shackle 21 is provided on the housing 8 for receiving the catch strap 22 and a sole retainer 18 is provided for gripping the heel of the shoe 11. In another embodiment which serves for holding the point of the shoe, the release member (6) is completely within the housing (8) and is pivotally connected with the inner wall thereof and the sole retainer (18) is mounted in the housing (8) for pivotal movement about the vertical axis (23) which can be held in position by a spring (24).

April 16, 1968 P. UNGER SAFETY BINDING FOR MOUNTING OF SKI Filed Dec. 29, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 In ventar": P404 owqlse.

April 16, 1968 P. UNGER SAFETY BINDING FOR MOUNTING OF SKI I5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 29, 1965 In ven for 8104 (/4666 W WW A ril 16, 1968 P. UNGER SAFETY BINDING FOR MOUNTING OF SKI 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 29, 1965 llllll lnven for: 2404 M 2 United States Patent 3,378,271 SAFETY BINDING FOR MOUNTING 0F SKI Paul Unger, Zirndorfer Weg 1, Altenberg, near Nurnberg, Germany Filed Dec. 29, 1965, Ser. No. 517,371 Claims priority, application sGermany, Mar. 17, 1965,

U 11, 19 Claims. (Cl. 280-4135) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention relates to ski bindings, especially releasable or safety ski bindings.

More in particular, the invention concerns a ski binding for mounting on a ski and which comprises a housing and a release member for retaining the ski boot and which releases against spring action in the event of excessive load or strain. This involves particularly, but not exclusively, the so-called heel automatic means which ongages the heel of the shoe with a suitable spring tension and retains the shoe. In this form of construction the release of the shoe may be effected manually, or by engaging and pressing down the latch lever with the point of the ski pole, or also in the event of a fall by automatic release. By using such automatic heel means, not only the formerly conventional binding cords are eliminated, but also simpler and more convenient operation is accomplished.

Known devices of this type involve the shortcoming that they require rather considerable structural expenditures as a result of which the binding becomes relatively expensive and also complicated. Frequently the springs are exposed, so that there is the danger of ice formation. For placing the shoe on the ski, a relatively great release force must be applied to the latch lever because the force transmission conditions are unfavorable. An arrangement is also known where the sole edge at the heel has to be placed under the retainer from the front. Subsequently the front tensioner must be closed and apply spring pressure against the point of the shoe. In the event of a certain curvature of the shoe sole it is, however, not possible to apply the front tensioner from the top onto the edge of the sole.

It is an object of the invention to provide a safety binding or device in which the aforementioned shortcomings are avoided. Above all, this presents the problem that the structural assembly and the operation of this device should be as simple as possible. Furthermore, the device is to be used optionally for retaining the heel or the point of the ski boot.

Accordingly the invention provides in the first place that the housing of the safety device or binding is pivotally connected with the release member or device, and that furthermore the safety binding which is constituted essentially of a release device and a spring is linked to a base plate fastened to the ski or the like, in which connection the two linkage locations are disposed at a distance from one another. In this manner a very favorable transmis sion ratio is afforded for the release and the operation of the safety binding. At the same time this makes it possible to make the dimensions of this binding relatively small. The entire construction is so simple that it can be produced rationally and at low cost. Its housing can 3,378,271 Patented Apr. 16, 1968 readily be closed so that ice formation on the parts, especially on the bias spring, is avoided.

Thus the binding can be constructed as a closed unit which is connected with the base plate or with the ski merely by the aforementioned linkage. In the operation or for release, this unit, or its housing, yields in the direction of the force applied to it against the effect of the spring. In this connection the base plate serves preferably as a counter-bearing or abutment and sliding surface.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a first embodiment,

FIG. 2 is the corresponding top view, particularly in section,

FIG. 3 is a side view of the release member,

FIG. 4 is a section along line lV--IV in FIG. 3,

FIGS. 5 and 6 are top and side views of a component part,

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8 shows the arrangement in accordance with FIG. 7, but after release,

FIG. 9 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a base plate 2 is threadedly secured to the ski 1 and is adjustable longitudinally of the ski by means of the slots 3, and can be secured in the require-d position by means of the fastening screws 4. The safety binding is linked by means of pivot axis member A1 to the lugs 5 which, for example, extend upwardly from the base plate 2, or from the upper surface of the ski; in this particular embodiment by means of the lateral cheeks 6 (see FIG. 3) of the latch lever which in this example constitutes the release device and encompasses the housing with its checks 6'. This release device 6 is in addition pivotally connected with the housing 8 by way of a pivot axis indicated at A2, in a manner that there is a space between the two pivot axes All and AZ.

This system which in principle consists of the release device 6, the housing 8, the bias spring 9, and if need be of further components, is pivotally movable in the manner of a tilting support lever with respect. to the base plate about the axis A1 which extends transversely of the direction of forces, i.e., transversely of the longitudinal extent of the ski. In the operative position in accordance with FIG. 1 (holding of the ski boot) the housing rests at its rearward end upon the base plate, or on an abutment 10 formed in the plate. The abutment may be a plate of plastic material threadedly secured in place. The pivot axis A1 and the abutment 10 may be at approximately the same level. In operating the release device 6, or when a requisite release force occurs at the shoe 11, the housing 8 is pressed against the abutment 10 and simultaneously against the effect of the spring 9, in the direction of the force, i.e., in this case rearwardly sliding longitudinally of the ski. The abutment simultaneously performs the function of a guiding slide.

In order to link the latch lever or release device 6 onto the housing 8 and furthermore for transmitting the lever force onto the spring 9, a pin 12 may be provided (see FIGS. 5 and 6) which is non-rotatably secured to the cheeks 6. For this purpose the pin is provided with lateral bosses 14 which fit into corresponding slots 15 of the lateral checks 6. In this connection the bolt projects through the housing 8 and thus serves for securing the same to the release device 6. Furthermore, the bolt is provided with a flat surface 16 that acts upon the spring 9 and which preferably extends obliquely with respect to the bosses 14. A flattened surface for producing this effect could also be provided directly on the release device.

The engagement point of the release member with the spring is constituted in the present embodiment by the upper edge 17 of the flattened portion 16. This point of engagement is spaced with respect to the linkage axis A2 so that as the release member is pivotally moved, it engages the spring 9 with a lever effect. The end of the spring 9 which faces the sole latch or retainer 18 is provided for this purpose with an engagement surface, for example, a slip-over sleeve 19 which may slide within a corresponding bore of the housing 8. The other end of the spring 9 is encompassed by an adjusting screw 20 which closes this bore and by means of which the tension of spring 9 may be changed. At the upper side of the housing 8 a shackle 21 is provided for receiving the catch strap 22.

The operation of the binding is as follows: In order to be able to seize the heel of the shoe 11 with the sole holder or depressor 18, the release device lever 6 has to be pressed downwardly. This is done manually or by inserting the point of the ski pole into the recess 6". As a result, the upper edge 17 of the bolt or the pin 12 presses against the sleeve 19, thus compressing spring 9. Since the release device lever 6 is not only pivotally connected at the housing 8 at a first pivot axis A2 but also at a second pivot axis A1 to the base plate, it moves at the same time pivotally also with respect to the housing about the second pivot axis A1. As a result of this double pivot arrangement, the housing 8 and the sole holder 18 are displaced rearwardly along a flat are, almost parallel to the surface of the ski, and the shoe can be fitted upon the ski surface. As the lever 6 is released, the parts return to the position illustrated in FIG. 1 under the pressure of the spring 9 so that the shoe is securely held. In this connection it is advisable to arrange the axis A2 in a manner that, seen in the direction of travel, it is ahead of a vertical line that passes through the axis A1. In other words, the axis A2 is displaced forwardly with respect to the axis A1. Thus the lever 6 is provided on the one hand with sufficiently large rocking area for the releasing, and on the other hand this insures of safe release of the binding in the event of a forward fall. In that case an upwardly directed force is applied to the sole holder which in this arrangement pivots the entire arrangement about axis A1, thus initiating the release, and also imparts a rearwardly directed component of force to the binding. Besides, the aforementioned displacement of the axis A2 relative to the sole holder provides that the housing 8, respectively the sole holder 18 which is fastened thereto applies a forwardly and downwardly directed force to the shoe in the closed position which presses the shoe in the desired manner against the surface of the ski.

The resilient support of the shoe during normal running operation is obtained in that the sleeve 19 which is under the pressure of spring 9 engages the upper edge 17 of the flattened surface. As soon as the front end of the sleeve 19 rests completely upon the fiat surface 16, the forward end position is reached in which the bolt or pin 12 is prevented from further turning by the spring. Preferably, the arrangement or the setting of the safety binding is chosen in a manner that the aforementioned parts are not yet in the final position when in closed position, but that between the front end of the sleeve 19 and the flat surface 16 there remains a slightly wedge-shaped gap or angle. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to this form of construction.

By providing such a closed unit, it is furthermore possible to construct the housing to be closed in such a manner that no ice or snow can enter and block the parts, particularly the spring. At the same time, the housing may have two bores that are arranged at a right angle with respect to each other, of which the bore for receiving the spring 9 is covered for protection against ice by set screw 20, and the bore for receiving the pin or bolt 12 by the lateral cheeks 6'. In this connection it Should be mentioned that for the protection of this safety binding very few and simple individual components are required which can be readily assembled. For the securing of the binding on the ski, the two screws 4 are sufiicient.

The release moment of rotation which comprises the rotational force applied against the housing and the lever arm A1A2 opposes the resetting release rotation moment which is constituted by the counter-force of the spring 9 and the distance between the location of contact 17 and the axis A2. Accordingly, release will take place in the event of a forward fall when the release moment of rotation becomes greater than the resetting moment of rotation which is set by tensioning the spring.

The manner of operation of the arrangement in accordance with FIGS. 7 to 9 which serves for holding the point of the shoe is the same in principle as that for the embodiment described above. For greater clearness, parts which function the same are identified by the same reference numerals.

The release device lever 6, which also here is the release member, is completely within the housing 8 and is pivotally connected with the inner wall thereof. It could, however, also encompass the housing from the outside as in the example of FIGS. 1 to 6, and it could also be rockable from the outside for releasing the ski boot.

In the event of a forward fall the binding is subjected to a forwardly directed horizontally disposed component of forces which results in a corresponding forward displacement of the housing 8. In this connection the angular position changes as with the first embodiment between the release member and the housing, so that the spring 9 is compressed by the edge 17. In the so-called rearward fall, an analogous effect is obtained where the forward edge 11 of the shoe wall applies an upwardly and forwardly directed force against the sole holder. In this conncction reference is made to the statement regarding the forward fall described with the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 6).

The sole holder or retainer 18 is mounted in the housinb 8 for pivotal movement about the vertical axis 23. For protection against torsion falls, it can be held in its position by means of a spring 24, the pressure of which is adjustable. When the pressure is reached for which it is set, the ball 24 disengages the corresponding recess of the sole holder 18 and thus releases it. A safety head of this type thus also releases in the event of a forward fall, backward fall, and also torsion fall.

The sole holder may also be so constructed that during a torsion turn the ski boot must first overcome a deadpoint and correspondingly displaces in this manner the housing 8 in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the parts turn about the pivot point A1 which results in raising of the housing 8. With such an arrangement the ski boot is therefore not only swung laterally in the event of a torsion fall, but at the same time it is also afforded the possibility to yield upwardly by a predetermined amount. Thus the releasing of the boot from the binding is suitably facilitated.

In order to provide such a dead-point two protrusions 25 which are arranged at such a distance from one another that they seize the front edge of the boot sole 11' from both sides are provided. The two protrusions 25 form, together with the axis 23, a three-point bearing support. It is seen that for a torsion fall and swinging of the sole holder about the axis 23 the entire safety binding is displaced longitudinally of the ski until the particular protrusion 25 is enabled to release the edge of the ski sole. With this arrangement even the ball catch 24 would be unnecessary under certain conditions because the ratio of this dead-point latch can be so proportioned that its opposing force corresponds to the release force. One may, however, additionally provide the ball catch 24 especially for the setting of the release force.

The safety binding illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 can, of course, be utilized for holding the point of the boot, and

the binding illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 may also be utilized for retaining the heel portion, in which event the proper sole holder must be provided. Therefore, it is furthermore within the scope of the invention that for rationalizing the manufacture and the bearing support only one single safety binding is provided with an interchangeable sole holder whch may then be optionally used as safety head or as What is generally referred to as automatic heel release.

Instead of this, it would also be possible to utilize the safety binding in accordance with the invention only in the manner of an automatic heel release and have the point of the boot either rest against a simple sole mounting or hold it by means of a safety head of different construction, such as for example, in accordance with US. Patent No. 3,194,573 issued to the applicant under date of July 13, 1965. In the latter case a double safety device is afforded against forward falls. The same applies when either the heel or the point of the shoe is held by a safety binding.

Having now described my invention with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, I do not wish to be limited thereto, but What I desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. Safety binding adapted to be secured to a ski for retaining a ski boot, comprising a release device, a spring and a housing, said release device being pivotally connected with said housing at a first pivot axis, supporting means secured to the ski, said spring being disposed in said housing with one end proximate said release device and the other end biased in said housing to apply pressure against said release device, said housing, said release device and said spring forming an assembly, said assembly being pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis disposed at a distance from said first pivot axis with respect to the longitudinal extent of the ski.

2. Safety binding in accordance with claim 1, in which said first and second pivot axes extend transversely of the longitudinal extent of the ski and said safety binding is adapted to yield longitudinally of said supporting means and the ski in response to pressure.

3. Safety binding in accordance with claim 1, where said supporting means is a base plate comprising an abutment, said housing resting upon said abutment under the pressure of the ski boot, as well as under the pressure of the release movement and is displaceable longitudinally of the ski during release.

4. Safety binding in accordance with claim 3, Where said assembly formed by said housing, said spring and said release device is linked to said base slate by Way of the said release device.

5. Safety binding in accordance with claim 4, where a pair of lugs, each having an aperture, extend upwardly from said base plate forward from said abutment and laterally of said housing, and pivot means defining said first axis extend through said apertures, and where said release device is linked to said housing above said second axis and is displaced relative to said second axis.

6. Safety binding in accordance with claim 5, where said release device is pivotally movable in a manner to exert a lever effect against said spring.

7. Safety binding in accordance with claim 6, including a flattened surface on and movable with said release housing provided with said flattened. surface operative to act against said spring.

9. Safety binding in accordance with claim 8, where said rocking lever has lateral cheeks extending laterally of said housing and where the lower ends of said checks are pivotally linked to said supporting means.

10. Safety binding in accordance with claim 9, Where said pin is disposed intermediate said housing and said rocking lever to form a joint and is connected to said rocking lever for rotary movement therewith.

11. Safety binding in accordance with claim 10 including a sole retainer and where said pin includes laterally projecting bosses extending obliquely with respect to said flattened surface and being inclined in the holding position of said binding in the direction of said sole retainer, and said rocking lever having slots for receiving said bosses.

12. Safety binding in accordance with claim 11, where said housing is a closed component having bores for receiving said spring and said pin and includes a set screw adapted to close one said bore and enclose said spring, and the bores for receiving said pin being covered by said rocking lever.

13. Safety binding in accordance with claim 12 adapted for supporting the point as well as the heel of a ski boot and adapted to receive interchangeable sole retainers.

14. Safety binding in accordance with claim 7, where said release device is disposed inside said housing, said housing having Wall means pivotally supporting said re lease member.

15. Safety bin-ding in accordance with claim 7, where said spring is received in said housing and encompassed at one end by a longitudinally movable sleeve.

16. Safety binding in accordance with claim 15, where said housing supports a sole retainer.

17. Safety binding in accordance with claim 16, where said base plate is provided with elongated slots to permit displacement in the longitudinal direction of the ski.

18. Safety binding in accordance with claim 17, where said sole retainer includes outwardly extending jaws and is mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and is spring biased in operative position.

19. Safety binding in accordance with claim 18 adapted for supporting the point as Well as the .heel of a ski boot and adapted to receive interchangeable sole retainers.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,129,951 4/1964 Lusser 280-1135 3,278,195 10/1966 Salomon 280-1135 3,291,499 12/ 1966 Artru 280--11.35 3,291,500 12/1966 Voster et al. 280-4135 BENJAMIN HERSH, Primary Examiner. LEO FRIAGLIA, Examiner.

J. H. BRANNEN, J. A. PEKAR, Assistant Examiner. 

